SEPTAL DEVIATION AND EAR HEALTH: EVALUATING THE ROLE OF SEPTOPLASTY PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Richa Richa; Sonam Kumari; Raj Kumar Prasad

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1688

Authors

Richa Richa Dr. https://orcid.org/
Sonam Kumari
Raj Kumar Prasad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1688

Keywords:

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Septoplasty, Tympanometry, Pure Tone Audiometry

Abstract

Background

The Eustachian tube (ET) is essential for maintaining middle ear pressure and ventilation. ET dysfunction is a known contributor to middle ear pathologies and may be influenced by nasal anatomical variations such as deviated nasal septum (DNS). Septoplasty, the surgical correction of DNS, has been proposed to improve ET function and hearing outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of septoplasty on ET function and hearing levels in patients with DNS.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 patients (35 males and 15 females) aged 15–60 years undergoing septoplasty for symptomatic DNS. Patients with other nasal or middle ear pathologies were excluded. All participants were assessed using tympanometry and pure tone audiometry (PTA) preoperatively, and postoperatively at 4 weeks and 6–8 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed SSPS Version 2.0.

Results

Preoperatively, 39% of ears showed conductive hearing loss (CHL) and 27% demonstrated Type C tympanogram, indicating poor middle ear pressure. At 6–8 weeks postoperatively, ears with CHL reduced significantly to 27%, and those with Type C tympanogram reduced to 9%, suggesting improved ET function and middle ear ventilation. The improvement was more pronounced on the side of the septal deviation. Notably, the initial postoperative assessment at 4 weeks showed transient worsening in CHL, likely due to postoperative mucosal edema, which resolved by the second follow-up.

Conclusion

Septoplasty leads to significant improvement in ET function and hearing, especially on the side of the septal deviation. The findings highlight the importance of considering septoplasty not just for nasal obstruction, but also for managing associated middle ear dysfunction.

Recommendation

Septoplasty should not only be used for dealing with nasal obstruction in DNS patients but also for improving ET function and CHL. Further multicentric studies with longer follow-ups are recommended to validate these results.

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